Bruce Williams
Bruce Williams, 86, of Anna, died Monday, Aug. 19, 2024 at his residence, surrounded by his family.
He was born on Feb. 22, 1938, in Anna, the son of Rufus and Erline Brown.Williams.
On Jan. 31, 1957, he married his forever love, Louise Heisner, and together they spent over 62 years together until her passing in 2019.
He served in the U.S. Army, obtaining a rank of staff sergeant.
Mr. Williams began working for Ralston Purina in 1966 and retired, the first time, from Nestle Purina in 2003. He continued his career with Nestle Purina, retiring a second and final time, in 2014.
He received his FDA processing control certification from the University of Wisconsin in 1974, was certified as a professional engineer in 1975 and earned his engineering degree from Washington University in 1976.
He designed and built factories and churches all over the world, with his family living in some of these locations. He was a member of NSPE, MSPE and was also a member of Anna Heights Baptist Church in Anna.
He built 30-plus ADA wheelchair ramps in the Anna-Jonesboro area. He also earned his Blue Hat for the Illinois Disaster Relief and worked tirelessly with the Royal Ambassadors and camps within the Illinois Baptist State Association and Southern Baptist Convention. He also volunteered his time to coach young girls and boys with the Upward Basketball program.
He and his wife, Louise, cared for 53 foster children. Bruce and Louise were (PA PA and MA MA LOU) international host parents to many Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and Southern Illinois University Carbondale international students for 50 years.
Survivors include his daughters, Mona Morgan, Melody Williams-Bassett, Dawn Holmes, Judith (Billy) Halter, Heather (Michael) Walker, Holly (Dean) Barringer, Robin Brazel, Tammy (Chuck) Ridens, Belinda (Dan) Robertson, Jessica (Lewis) Haines and Luciann (John) Barnitz; sons Anthony (Andrea) Williams and Timothy Crippen; and many other foster children loved dearly by Bruce and Louise; 43 grandchildren; 40 great-grandchildren and more on the way; a sister, Sherry (LaRue) Parr; and brothers Michael (Carroll) Williams and Billy (Donna) Williams.
Along with his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by his son, Shawn Williams; sons-in-law Michael Brazel and Alan Morgan; grandsons Micah Williams and Ashton Brazel; great-granddaughter Adleigh Cuevos; brother Harold Williams; and sister Patty Williams.
Funeral services were at 4 p.m. Friday, Aug. 23, at Anna Heights Baptist Church, with the Rev. Darryl Williams officiating and with special remarks by the Rev. Perry Williams and Tony Williams. Burial followed at the Anna City Cemetery.
To view the obituary or to leave an online condolence for the family, visit www.crainsonline.com.
Crain Funeral Home in Anna-Jonesboro was in charge of arrangements.